Are Pomeranians Prone to Skin or Food Allergies?

Switching doggy shampoos and treating for fleas might help restore your Pom's glorious coat.
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Your Pom starts scratching bald spots in her thick, fluffy fur, or maybe she has accidents on your living room rug. Pomeranians can develop both skin and food allergies, so as soon as you notice the symptoms, book an appointment with your veterinarian.

Skin Allergies

It can be difficult to watch your beloved Pomeranian suffer from a skin allergy. She might scratch her skin until she creates an open sore, roll around on the carpet or grass and shed copious amounts of hair. Unfortunately, you might have trouble detecting the symptoms of a skin allergy in your faithful Pom because of her thick coat. If you think your canine friend has a skin allergy, try to eliminate any irritants from your home. Switch dog shampoos in case one of the ingredients in your current brand is irritating your pooch's skin. Provide her with soft bedding made from an organic material, such as cotton or wool, rather than synthetics.

Food Allergies

Food allergies cause a wide range of symptoms in Pomeranians, from skin irritation to bowel dysfunction. Smaller dogs like Poms often suffer from gastrointestinal distress, and can develop allergies late in life. Your veterinarian might recommend an elimination diet to determine the source of the allergy. An elimination diet involves a food that contains a protein your canine pal has never ingested before. Other proteins are gradually introduced to the diet until a compatible combination is discovered.

Flea Allergies

Pomeranians are tiny creatures, which is part of what makes them so loveable. Their small size, however, makes it easy for them to crawl into small spaces, and it can be difficult to eradicate fleas from their environment. If your Pom suffers from a flea allergy, you will need to treat every area of your home or yard to which she has access. Pomeranians are also likely to be kept indoors most of the time, so focus your efforts on bedrooms, bathrooms, and other interior spaces. Your Pom's thick coat makes it difficult to find flea dirt and other evidence of infestation, so look at areas with less hair, such as the base of the tail and the belly.

Allergy Symptoms

Every dog is different, and your unique Pom might exhibit several symptoms of food or skin allergies. Look for diarrhea, sneezing and vomiting in particular when it comes to food allergies. You might suspect skin allergies if you witness obsessive licking of the paws, excessive scratching, open sores or inflamed skin. Grooming is an excellent time to look for symptoms of allergies since you will see more of the coat and skin while you brush or comb your Pom's fluffy fur.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.

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